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Physical therapist and CSI professor: Take pressure off the joints

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"Most routine back pain will improve on its own with conservative therapy in three months, often shorter than that," says Dr. Bruce E.. Landon, professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School.
(Photo Courtesy of Fotolia.com)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In the past 20 years, the incidence of obesity has tripled, while complaints of back pain have doubled.

On any given day, one in nine people have back “trouble.”

The pressure on your joints — back, hips and knees — is increased three to five times for each pound you are overweight. So 50 pounds overweight puts 150 to 250 pounds of pressure on your joints.

Conversely, how about losing 10 pounds and taking the load off your joints by 30 to 50 pounds.

As you lose weight and continue to do so, here are some of the benefits you will reap: Improved walking (decrease or eliminate limping)

Better blood pressure

Improved heart health and lower cholesterol levels

Decreased risk for diabetes

Enhanced sex life

A better night’s sleep for those with obstructive sleep apnea

Less pain associated with arthritis, joint disease, and lower back pain

Better breathing

Decreased risk for colon and breast cancer

A healthier gallbladder

More energy

More than one million total joint replacements are performed each year (particularly total hip and knees). But even if you need a total joint replacement, most surgeons will not do such surgeries on individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher.

No matter how much you need to lose, the most important thing is starting the journey.

Research shows setting “doable” goals is the key for continued success and a great place to start is the “10 percent goal” — losing 10 percent of your body weight in a one year period. 

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Dr. Maureen Becker, a physical therapist, is director of clinical education of the doctoral physical therapy program at the College of Staten Island and co-founder of the Slim Down.